Ontario Soccer Spotlight: OPDL Match Official Angelina Baldino Shines on National Stage at Inaugural PDP Championships
As part of our #OPDL10 series, Ontario Soccer is proud to recognize Angelina Baldino, a devoted Match Official who has risen through the ranks, earning a selection for a gold medal match at the Player Development Program Championships this summer.
Play. Inspire. Unite.
Angelina Baldino (second from right) at the 2024 PDP Championships. Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer.
As part of Ontario Soccer’s ongoing series celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL), Ontario Soccer is proud to highlight the achievements of individuals who have excelled within the league's ecosystem. One such individual is Angelina Baldino, an Ontario Match Official who recently officiated at the inaugural Player Development Program (PDP) Championships in Edmonton, Alberta.
Angelina was selected as one of 18 referees from Canada Soccer’s Elite Development Program to officiate the prestigious event, which showcased the top youth soccer teams from standards-based programs in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Québec. Baldino’s appointment to the gold medal match was a testament to her skills and development as an official – a journey that has been significantly shaped by her involvement in the OPDL.
“I began officiating in the OPDL almost four years ago. Since then, I have been involved with several OPDL events, including the Gary Miller Charity Shield (2021, 2022, 2023), OPDL Cup (2022, 2023), and Ontario Summer Games (2022). I learned a lot from officiating in the OPDL, and it has been an important stepping stone in my officiating career as I transitioned to officiating semi-professional games in League1 Ontario,” Baldino says. “The OPDL is an important pathway for many young players looking for opportunities at the professional level. However, it has also become an integral part of the match official pathway for many officials looking to become professional referees.”
A Milestone Moment
Angelina’s journey to the PDP Championships began in late June when she received the news of her selection. "I was super excited as this was the first time I would be officiating a tournament outside of Ontario," she said.
The 2024 PDP Championships, organized by Canada Soccer, was the first competition of its kind. It was more than just another tournament, it was an opportunity to be a part of a historic event - and the energy was palpable, according to Baldino:
“It was an experience to see and feel the passion of the fans from all the teams. Fans brought drums, horns, signs, and even wore matching T-shirts to show their support. You could always feel the excitement in the air and the passion from all the teams,” she recalls.
This event marked a significant milestone in Canadian youth soccer, but for Angelina, it also was a big step in her budding career as a referee.
Learning Opportunities and Lifelong Memories
Angelina’s valuable experience at the PDP Championships extended beyond the games on the field. The tournament also featured a series of educational sessions, led by top Canadian assessors and instructors, which focused on the finer points of officiating and team dynamics.
“Our first education session focused on developing an appropriate pre-game conversation, which helped set the expectations for all officiating crews throughout the tournament,” Baldino explained. “In addition, we had a session dedicated to discussing teamwork, including what teamwork looks like before and during games. This helped us develop strategies to prevent breakdowns in teamwork and uphold strong relationships as a referee team.”
The opportunity to network and bond with other officials, assessors, and instructors from across the country was another highlight of the tournament. "We spent our spare time hanging out and getting to know each other better," she said. Angelina particularly enjoyed exploring local Edmonton bakeries and restaurants, making new memories with her fellow referees.
“Tournaments like these are always great because it brings together match officials, assessors, and instructors from across the country that we only get to see a few times a year.”
The Ultimate Honour: Officiating the Gold Medal Game
The pinnacle of Angelina’s experience at the PDP Championships was being selected to officiate the gold medal match.
“It is every official’s dream of being selected for the gold medal game at a tournament. After a long, tiring week of games, there is no better feeling than being appointed to such an important match to cap off a successful tournament,” Baldino said. “As well, with this being one of my first national tournaments, it made me very proud to be selected from so many great officials for the final game.”
Angelina Baldino in action at the PDP Championships. Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer.
Angelina Baldino in action at the PDP Championships. Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer.
Angelina’s Path to Success
On top of her experience in the OPDL, Angelina’s involvement in Canada Soccer’s Elite Development Referee Program has played a key role in her trajectory as a Match Official. She commends the program, saying “being a part of the Elite Development Program is an important step in the referee pathway and prepares us for officiating the professional game. This includes not only education on the laws of the game, but also about the other factors involved, including the commitment to fitness and mental preparation required for a professional referee.”
Some of Canada’s most experienced Referees, Instructors, and Assessors serve as mentors in the Elite Development Program – a perk which Angelina and her peers are incredibly grateful for.
“The step into the Elite Development Program was daunting at first,” Baldino admits, “But I feel welcomed and am looking forward to embracing the challenges of being part of this amazing program.”
In addition to her accomplishments in the Elite Development Program, Baldino is also playing a key role in Ontario Soccer’s innovative Body Cam Pilot Project, which is part of the ongoing #NoRefNoGame campaign. This initiative, which equips Match Officials with body cameras during games, aims to enhance transparency, improve the safety of officials, and reduce instances of abuse and misconduct. Angelina’s participation in the project further demonstrates her leadership and commitment to improving the game.
As we look back on 10 years of OPDL, stories like Angelina Baldino’s remind us of the league’s far-reaching impact. The OPDL continues to be a critical part of both Player and Match Official development, creating opportunities for the next generation of soccer talent in Ontario.
The OPDL has given Angelina and many other Officials the opportunity to refine their skills in high-level, competitive environments, setting the stage for success in tournaments like the PDP Championships. Participation in the OPDL and Canada Soccer’s programs can open doors for those with the ambition to reach the highest levels of the game.
Angelina’s success is also a product of Ontario Soccer’s Long Term Official Development (LTOD) framework, which has been instrumental in providing a clear, structured pathway for referees at all levels. LTOD is designed to offer continuous learning and development opportunities for officials, whether they are just starting out at the grassroots level or are aiming for international assignments.
Angelina’s journey is far from over, and we look forward to following her continued success in the years to come!
